Christ-Centered Holistic Health

Holistic health refers to optimum wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. Although many holistic health principles and practices are well-grounded in science and effective, they present challenges for some people of faith because they are perceived as dishonoring to God. As a result, there are Christians who have determined that holistic health is incompatible with their faith and steered away from anything associated with the term. While some holistic health practices can be in conflict with Christian beliefs, particularly those that call on universal energy sources as a means of healing, there are holistic health principles and practices that are not only consistent with Scripture, but quite honoring to God. Unfortunately, confusion, fear, and lack of knowledge concerning God-honoring health practices have resulted in some Christians being inattentive to actions that could enhance their health, glorify God, and enable them to be more effective servants of the Lord. Christ -Centered Holistic Health offers suggestions for achieving holistic health from a Christian perspective. Rather than following the latest diet craze or firming abs at the gym, health is presented as an abundant way of life centered in Christ. Using the acronym BALANCE, the book aids readers in improving their health by: *Believing they can achieve abundant, empowered lives so that they can strengthen positive lifestyle habits and change those patterns that prevent them from achieving optimum health *Assessing the current state of their bodies, minds, and spirits so that they'll understand their unique capabilities and deficits *Learning about the meaning of good health and habits that foster it *Acquiring positive habits that are tailored to their unique bodies, minds, spirits and lifestyles *Nurturing themselves so that they enhance the ability of their minds and spirits to promote good health *Connecting in a better way with themselves, significant others in their lives, and Jesus Christ *Experiencing and learning to appreciate life's blessings so that they can live abundantly Beyond the basics of diet and exercise, a wide range of topics that impact health are explored, such as relationships, fasting, prayer, healthy work habits, purposeful living, safe use of medications, solitude, and love of self and others. Practical tips are offered on evaluating holistic practices to assure they are consistent with sound evidence and the Christian faith. Readers are guided in reflecting on their personal habits and developing individualized plans that they can incorporate into their lives to improve their health. Study questions and references to related scripture verses are provided to facilitate the book's use for group studies.